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As stated by a senior military official, the US armed forces carried out a lethal strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

“Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a deadly attack on a craft operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization in international waters. Surveillance verified the vessel was traveling along a known narco-trafficking route and was involved in illicit drug transport. All four male narco-terrorists were eliminated, and no American forces were injured.”

Context and Recent Strikes

The statement comes a day after a declaration regarding a blockade of all targeted oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. That statement on social media, the US president accused Venezuela of using oil profits to fund narcotics smuggling and criminal activities, vowing to increase the military buildup.

Just on the previous day, the Pentagon stated it had carried out strikes on three boats suspected of trafficking drugs in the Pacific, leading to the deaths of eight people. Beginning on 2 September, more than 20 military engagements have killed at least 99 individuals, the majority off the coast of Venezuela.

Government Defends Actions Amid Pressure

The government has faced growing demands to release video of a 2 September vessel attack. However, the defense secretary have declined to do so. The administration has defended its campaign as a success, saying it has prevented drugs from entering US shores and has pushed back on concerns that it is exceeding the limits of lawful warfare.

Although the administration has stated the campaign is about halting drugs headed to the US, comments from a senior aide seemed to suggest a wider political aim. In a recent interview, the senior advisor said the president “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Venezuela's president surrenders or concedes.”

This suggests the military campaign may be part of a strategy to remove Venezuela's current government.